Brighton & Hove Albion are on course to move three points clear of Ipswich Town at the top of the Championship after two early goals gave them a half-time lead at Portman Road.
The home side came into the game ahead of Brighton only on goal difference at the top of the Championship, but soon found themselves with a mountain to climb after conceding two early goals.
After Kazenga LuaLua had already tested Dean Gerken with a low strike, the winger ran onto Gaetan Bong's chipped pass and finished emphatically past the goalkeeper for his fourth goal of the season in all competitions.
Just two minutes later it was 2-0 when Dale Stephens's free kick from all of 35 yards appeared to fly straight in without getting a touch from anyone in the box to give the Seagulls the perfect start.
Ipswich looked shellshocked, and the visitors could have had the game virtually done and dusted midway through the first half when Bong's ball found the run of Sam Baldock, but the striker could only prod wide with just Gerken to beat.
The Tractor Boys finally began to feel their way into the game and had two chances through Freddie Sears, who first saw a tame shot saved by David Stockdale before firing wide from the edge of the area.
Tom Nightingale
